Police: Lake Worth woman began new year by battering officers

A Lake Worth woman is facing several charges after she was found running toward on-coming traffic early New Year’s Day, then allegedly injured a Greenacres police officer as she was being taken into custody, according to an arrest report.

Neomi Rodriguez

Police responded to the 6400 block of Forest Hill Boulevard around 2:30 a.m. and found Neomi Rodriguez running toward the northbound lanes on S. Jog Road “attempting to harm herself,” the report said.

Police were attempting to take Rodriguez, 34, to JFK Medical Center for treatment when she allegedly became combative. Rodriguez allegedly punched, scratched and kicked at officers and caused “noticeable injuries” to Officer Bryan Lembo.

Lembo sustained three superficial cuts to the face after Rodriguez allegedly used “her longer finger nails” to scratch the officer, the report said. The officer responded by hitting Rodriguez in the face with his fist, causing the woman to stop kicking and allow herself to be handcuffed.

Rodriguez is facing three counts of battery on an officer and resisting arrest with violence and one count of diorderly intoxication. Rodriguez was released from the Palm Beach County Jail Jan. 1 after posting an $18,250 bond.